Background: Too much stress can have psychologically and physiologically adverse effects. The impact of stress in nursing school not only affects student’s well-being but can also produce adverse effects on grades. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is thought to improve cognition, increase levels of wellness, suppress anxiety, improve mood, promote social bonding, decrease depression, as well as reduce blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate for those who participate. These benefits not only can have a positive effect on the general health of nursing students but should translate into better performance on examinations and knowledge retention. Purpose: This study aims to determine if AAT interventions prior to examinations can alleviate anxiety in junior level nursing students. Methods: Stressors In Nursing Students (SINS) questionnaire was given to students prior to the examination to determine baseline stress and anxiety level. Prior to the selected examination, an AAT visit was provided followed by the dog handler and the students. This AAT visit was evaluated using the Pre-Exam Animal Visitation Program Student Survey (PASS) to determine effectiveness of the interventions.  Data is presented by simple analysis and in bar graph for.  Outcomes support the use of AAT as a means to reduce pre-examination anxiety, promote general relaxation and sense of well-being and improve mood. A review of the literature found that AAT increases a sense of well-being and can relieve stress, and improve cognition, so the use of AAT with junior level nursing students should translate into better learning performance, as well as improved sense of well-being.  This method will promote stress relief in nursing students, increase their quality of life, and improve test performance. Conclusion: Implementation of AAT at the University of Central Oklahoma was shown to improve perceived stress, anxiety levels, and mood in junior level nursing students.